Cats may appear to be "crying" when clear, green or yellow discharge leaks from the corners of their eyes. This is usually accompanied by sneezing and a nasal discharge. These are symptoms of a feline upper respiratory infection or "kitty cold." These infections are viral and usually last seven to 10 days. Cats with upper respiratory symptoms should visit a veterinarian and take antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections that could become severe or even fatal.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms interpreted as "crying and sneezing" usually involve discharge from the eyes and nostrils. Sneezing is often accompanied by coughing. A runny discharge may also come from the cat's mouth. Discharge from the nostrils and eyes is most often clear or pale yellow, but if a serious bacterial infection has also set in, it may be bright yellow or green. The cat may in severe cases have difficulty breathing or make a wheezing sound with each breath.
Causes
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Upper respiratory infections causing discharge and sneezing are usually viral in origin. The feline Herpes virus is responsible for many upper respiratory infections, along with feline Calcivirus and Chlamydia. These viruses are transmitted through fluid exchange, such as touching noses or drinking from the same bowl. Most feline viruses are not airborne. Cats are not generally at risk for respiratory infections unless they are sharing living quarters with a sick cat. If a sick cat is present, however, the viruses involved are highly contagious.
Types
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Feline upper respiratory infections may be mild and similar to the human common cold, or they can be severe, especially when combined with a secondary bacterial infection. If bacterial infection sets in on top of a viral infection, pneumonia can occur, which is life-threatening. Upper respiratory infections can also damage the sinuses and nasal passages. In addition, they may cause cats not to eat, putting them at risk for hepatitic lipidosis.
Upper respiratory infections may be acute but when caused by the feline Herpes virus they are more often chronic. A cat infected with the Herpes virus will probably suffer mild respiratory symptoms off and on for the rest of his life.
Treatment
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Any cat that has discharge and sneezing should see a veterinarian immediately. Most feline upper respiratory infections will resolve themselves within seven to 10 days, but a veterinarian needs to see the cat and prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection. If the cat isn't eating or drinking, IV fluids and nutrients may be necessary.
Along with antibiotic therapy, cats with upper respiratory infections should get rest and plenty of fluids. Decongestants may also help. If the cat is wheezing, humidifying its living environment or putting it in a hot, steamy bathroom for a few minutes can help to moisten and clear the respiratory passages.
Prognosis
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Most adult cats will recover rapidly from upper respiratory infections if they are seen by a vet and treated appropriately. If the infection was caused by the Herpes virus, it is likely to recur after major stresses such as a move or a surgical procedure for the rest of the cat's life.
Infections that are not treated by a veterinarian may resolved on their own, or they may worsen until the cat develops life-threatening complications. Kittens and Persian cats are at the highest risk for serious respiratory illness. Kittens have not yet developed robust immune systems, while Persians have difficulty breathing even when healthy due to their flat faces.
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